Optimal control of multi-photon isotope separation using ultra-short intense laser pulses: Density operator theory

Wave packet isotope separation using short intense laser pulses is examined by means of optimal control simulation through a case study of the separation of a 79Br2/81Br2 mixture. Both electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom are considered. A designed optimal pulse enhances the isotope-dependent phase shifts in the wave packets through multi-photon transitions, causes isotope-dependent quantum interferences, and transfers each isotope to its specified objective state. The present isotope separation scheme achieves a high degree of selectivity even in the presence of dephasing processes.